Windows 7 End of Life

It is the end of an era.  Windows 7, arguably the best Windows OS ever created, is finally on the way out, with extended support set to expire in just a few short months.

Although mainstream support for the software actually ended in January of 2015, with Windows 10  launching later that year, any and all extended support is set to cease January 14, 2020, sounding the death knell for this once-great product.

What does this mean for anyone still running this beloved program?  While you can continue using Windows 7, if not upgraded to 10 you run the risk that your operating system will not integrate with newer software, and more importantly, you open yourself up to increasing security risks.

In other words, it’s time to upgrade to a newer operating system. If your computers and IT equipment are as old as your OS, you’re probably overdue for a hardware upgrade, as well.  Since the last time you got rid of e-waste, laws have likely changed significantly.

How can you make sure you’re in compliance with your IT asset disposition (ITAD)?  What are your options?  Here are a few things every business should be aware of, whether you’re located in North Dakota, South Dakota, or beyond.

Legal Compliance

However you choose to dispose of outdated IT assets, you need to make sure your business complies with all applicable environmental and consumer privacy laws along with any industry regulations.  Failure to do so could result in government penalties, and that’s the least of your worries if you end up suffering data breach or identity theft as a result of negligence.

If you want to remain in compliance with environmental and privacy laws, you need to find a reputable and certified ITAD service provider that stays up-to-date on changing laws on your behalf.  You’ll also want to look for options that allow you to recoup costs, gain peace of mind, and generally protect your company and your customers to the best of your ability when you upgrade IT systems and get rid of old equipment.

Shredding and Recycling

There are two main options when it comes to disposing of outdated IT assets: shredding and recycling or wiping and remarketing.  Many companies find the first to be the most secure option, and it certainly has a sense of finality to it.  When hard drives are shredded, either on-site while you watch, or at a secure facility, there is zero chance that data can be recovered.

Wiping, Refurbishing and Reselling

Although many businesses are more comfortable with the first option, you can also give some used IT equipment a second life if it still holds value. Having hard drives professionally wiped allows devices to securely be refurbished and resold.  When done correctly, this process complies with privacy laws, allows you to potentially recoup some cost through resale, and does a major service for the environment by keeping unrecyclable parts out of landfills.  Of course, the ability to resell equipment depends on whether or not it’s still usable and holds market value, but you always have the option to shred and recycle as a fallback.

When your North Dakota or South Dakota business is ready to upgrade computers and IT equipment and you need to dispose of decommissioned devices, contact the qualified professionals at SEAM at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to request a quote.